FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis)

Failure Mode and Effect Analysis, usually the abbreviation FMEA is used. It is an analytical technique, which aims to identify
potential sites of defects or faults in systems. It was developed in the 60ies of the last century in the U.S. during the Apollo space
program of NASA, as a tool for finding serious risks. The first civil use of this method was about 10 years later by Ford due to poor
project quality of Ford Pinto. At the beginning of 80ies FMEA was processed into a single publication, and was included in the
standard QS 9000. During the last 20 years, FMEA has evolved and expanded, for example, methods VDA, DRBFM, FMECA, etc.
were created, which follow or are based on this method.
Due to its versatility, it can be applied in a number of areas, particularly in the area of risk management, quality management and
security management.
Use of the FMEA in practice: Principle of the FMEA method is a systematic identification of all possible defects in the product or
process and its implications, identification of steps to prevent, reduce or limit the causes of these defects, and documentation of
the entire process.
FMEA method can be used for various kinds of systems. Most commonly it is used in the production. It is a preventive method
which allows timely identification of possible failures, errors or defects that may affect the function of the system or the final quality
or safety. This also reduces risks. The method requires a lot of experience of the team with analyzed system - correct identification
of possible faults and their consequences is based largely on experience and it is recommended to set the team from more
people so that their knowledge and experience cover with each other.
Analysis by FTA method may be followed for more complex systems.
There are several applications of this method:
DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis)
SFMEA (System Failure Mode and Effect Analysis)
PFMEA (Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis)
There is also its expanded form under the title FMECA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis Critical).
FMEA became the basis of the standard IEC 60812 - Failure Mode and Effect Analysis.
Related terms and methods:
APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning)
ETA (Event Tree Analysis)
FMECA (Failure Mode and Effect Critical Analysis)
HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study)
PPAP (Production Part Approval Process)
QS 9000
VDA 6.1
Six Sigma
Related management fields:
Quality Management
Risk Management
Security Management
Other information and sources (International)
IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
IEC 60812
Wikipedia EN
FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis)